Battlefields - Belgium & the Somme School Trips
IBT Travel
No trip to Belgium is more memorable or poignant than a visit to the World War 1 Battlefields in Ypres, where students experience the living conditions in the trenches and the destructive power of war. As one of the most visited parts of the Western Front, where 250,000 soldiers died during the Great War in the defence of Ypres, battlefield sites include Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood Trench Museum and Bayernwald Croonaert Wood Trenches. Experience the living conditions in the trenches and the destructive power, waste and futility of war by touring the battlefields of the Ypres Salient and the Somme. Experience the events of the 1916 Battle of the Somme by following the Circuit of Remembrance, attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, explore the interactive In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres and visit the British Dugout Experience and German trench system at the
Passchendaele Museum.Your students may explore many other places of interest in order to discover more about this devastating conflict.
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Example Itineraries for our 2026 trips
DAY 1
Morning - Depart for morning ferry from Dover to Calais
Afternoon - Arrive in Ypres mid afternoon and check into Peace Village Hostel.
Evening - Evening meal followed by a visit to the March of the Phoenix Remembrance Walk
DAY 2
Morning - Entry to Passchendaele Memorial Museum and Gardens then visit Tyne Cot Cemetery & Memorial
Afternoon - A trip to the Langemark the German Cemetery followed by a visit to Ypres Chocolate Shop. Continue your afternoon with a visit Flanders Field Museum.
Evening - Evening meal followed by Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate.
DAY 3
Morning - Visit Talbot House the Working Man's Club followed by a late morning visit to Hill 60 The Caterpillar Crater.
Afternoon - Visit the Hooge Crater Trenches & Museum
Evening - Visit Ice Mountain climbing park then return to hostel for evening meal.
DAY 4
Morning - Check out and visit Bayernwald Trenches
Afternoon -Travel to Calais for return short sea crossing
Evening - Return to school in evening
Morning - Depart for morning ferry from Dover to Calais
Afternoon - Arrive in Ypres mid afternoon and check into Peace Village Hostel.
Evening - Evening meal followed by a visit to the March of the Phoenix Remembrance Walk
DAY 2
Morning - Entry to Passchendaele Memorial Museum and Gardens then visit Tyne Cot Cemetery & Memorial
Afternoon - A trip to the Langemark the German Cemetery followed by a visit to Ypres Chocolate Shop. Continue your afternoon with a visit Flanders Field Museum.
Evening - Evening meal followed by Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate.
DAY 3
Morning - Visit Talbot House the Working Man's Club followed by a late morning visit to Hill 60 The Caterpillar Crater.
Afternoon - Visit the Hooge Crater Trenches & Museum
Evening - Visit Ice Mountain climbing park then return to hostel for evening meal.
DAY 4
Morning - Check out and visit Bayernwald Trenches
Afternoon -Travel to Calais for return short sea crossing
Evening - Return to school in evening
Which Curriculum Subjects do we cater for?
Cultural
Click to read full text Belgium's rich cultural heritage and historical significance, particularly related to World War I, make it a popular destination for school trips, especially to sites like the Somme. These trips often focus on the poignant history of the region, with visits to memorials, battlefields, and museums that educate students about the impacts of war and the importance of peace. Such experiences not only foster an understanding of history but also encourage discussions about teamwork, empathy, and the values of reconciliation in post-conflict societies. Additionally, students often engage with local culture through culinary experiences, art, and language, enhancing their overall educational journey.
History
A trip to Belgium and the Somme can be a powerful historical experience for school groups. They will learn about World War I, one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. By visiting the battlefields, cemeteries, and memorials, students will gain a poignant understanding of the human cost and sacrifices made during this pivotal period in world history.
World War
A trip to Belgium and the Somme often reflects the significant historical events that occurred during World War I. Belgium, invaded in 1914, became a major battleground, with battles such as those at Ypres showcasing the brutal realities of trench warfare.
The Somme, particularly remembered for the infamous 1916 battle, saw over a million casualties and epitomized the horrors of the conflict. School groups often explore sites like the Menin Gate in Ypres, various war memorials, and preserved trenches, shedding light on the sacrifices made during the war and fostering a deeper understanding of its impact on Europe.
What size groups do we cater for?
Any group size is possible, please contact us to discuss your requirements
Access for visitors with disabilities?
Yes
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Yes
Anything else?
Fully customised tour itineraries available
Who are IBT Travel?
When you choose to book with IBT, you are guaranteed support, assistance and a seamless delivery at every stage of your trip. We understand how challenging it can be to organise a trip for a large group, so we strive to be there for you when you need us.
We only book great trips. With years of experience, insider information and feedback from our customers over decades, our trips are carefully crafted to exceed your expectations.
With more than 38 years of sending groups on trips, we have unrivalled expertise in operating school tours. We know the cities and resorts we send our groups to inside and out, we get to know those who will be taking care of you when you arrive, and we know what makes a great trip.
We are an established business with a loyal customer base, excellent customer support and strong relationships with resort staff. We are there when you need us and provide all of the information you need to have a great trip. We will make sure you are prepared and are always available to answer any questions you might have. Unlike many other operators, you will leave for your trip confident that should you need assistance, IBT Travel will be there for you.
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